The National Marine Manufacturers Association’s Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report indicates that, in the 12-month period ending February 2025, total new powerboat retail unit sales declined 7.4 percent year-over-year to 233,737 units.

Early 2025 year-to-date retail sales (January–February) fell 4.8 percent compared to the same period in 2024. Freshwater fishing boat sales increased 6.6 percent over last year. Personal watercraft (PWC) sales were nearly flat year-over-year (+0.1 percent).

“The early part of 2025 continues to show the effects of a cautious consumer facing inflationary pressures,” says Ellen Bradley, NMMA’s chief brand officer, “however, the job market remained relatively healthy.”

These results align with other economic trends: During this same period, consumer confidence hit a four-year low.

“With the mixed category sales and macroeconomic picture year to date, consumers and industry alike probably found themselves in a bit of ‘watch and wait’ mode. Still, demand for wellness-driven, outdoor experiences remains strong and as consumers prioritize time with family, nature and their well-being, boating continues to offer unmatched opportunity that can be a strategic advantage to lean into, with everything from marketing to new product innovation to customer engagement.”

NMMA’s Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report is published at the beginning of each month. The full report includes comprehensive retail and wholesale data, engine and segment breakdowns, and key economic indicators relevant to marine businesses.